Vehicle mount computer with configurable ignition switch behavior

ABSTRACT

A vehicle mount computer having a configurable behavior controlled by a vehicle&#39;s ignition switch. A user can configure the computer to perform an action, switch modes, or execute a software application in response to the ignition switch being pressed or the position of the ignition switch being adjusted. For example, the computer can be configured to switch to a standby mode or hibernation mode, shutdown, prompt the user to select an action, or do nothing in response to the ignition switch being placed in an off position. The ignition switch can be electrically coupled to an input of the computer so that the computer&#39;s operating system or another application can monitor the status of the ignition switch. The operating system or application can cause the computer to perform the configured response upon detecting a change in the ignition switch&#39;s position or an actuation of the ignition switch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/983,611 for a Vehicle Mount Computer with ConfigurableIgnition Switch Behavior filed Jan. 3, 2011 (and published Jul. 5, 2012as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0173038), now U.S. Pat.No. 8,996,194. Each of the foregoing patent application, patentpublication, and patent is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates generally to vehicle mounted computer systems, andmore particularly to a vehicle mounted computer system havinguser-configurable behavior controlled by the vehicle's ignition switch.

BACKGROUND

Computer terminals are often mounted on vehicles in warehouses,manufacturing facilities, and other workplaces to collect and displaydata. For example, vehicle mount computers are commonly found onforklift trucks and other utility vehicles. Vehicle mount computersgenerally include one or more user interfaces, such as a touch screendisplay and a keyboard or keypad. Many vehicle mount computers alsoinclude a wireless radio for communicating with a remote device, such asanother computer or server.

Vehicle mount computers are typically connected to the vehicle's batteryto receive supply power. Conventional vehicle mount computers include apower switch or button that an operator can manipulate to turn thevehicle mount computer on and off. Often times, operators leave thevehicle without turning the computer off. For example, an operator mayshut down the vehicle at the end of the day, but forget to turn off thevehicle mount computer. This can drain the battery and render thevehicle unusable for the next operator or the next work shift.Furthermore, operators often forget to log out of vehicle mountcomputers at the conclusion of their work shift. This can allowunauthorized users access to the vehicle mount computer and possibly toa network that the vehicle mount computer is connected to. In addition,the vehicle mount computer's operating system may require an operator tolog in again after a certain amount of idle time. This can prevent otheroperators from logging into the locked computer until an administratorcan unlock the computer.

Some organizations' computer administrators prefer that the computersthey are responsible for are placed into a certain state when thecomputer is not in use. For example, a computer administrator mayrequest that users log off of their computers so that updates toapplications and network security can be performed. However, manycomputer users fail to abide by these preferences causing a nuisance tothe administrators.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides methods and systems for controlling acomputer by way of a vehicle's ignition switch. The computer can bemounted to or otherwise installed on a vehicle, such as a forklift truckor utility vehicle. The vehicle's ignition switch can be logicallycoupled as an input to the computer so that the computer can detect orreceive an indication of the ignition switch's position. For example,the ignition switch can be electrically coupled to the computer's powerbutton such that the computer's operating system detects ignition switchposition changes similar to detecting power button depressions.

The computer can be configured by a user such as an operator or computeradministrator to perform an action, switch to a different mode, log offthe current user, execute a software application, or transmit data toanother computer or device in response to the ignition switch beingpressed or the position of the ignition switch being adjusted. Forexample, the computer can be configured to switch to a standby mode,switch to a hibernation mode, shutdown, prompt the operator to select anaction, execute an application, or do nothing in response to theignition switch being placed in an off position or being depressed whilethe computer is in an active mode. The computer also may be configuredto switch from a non-active mode to the active mode in response to theignition switch being turned on or pressed.

One aspect of the present invention provides a method for performing anaction with a vehicle mount computer. A user interface of the vehiclemount computer can receive user input specifying an action for thevehicle mount computer to perform automatically in response to anignition switch of a vehicle switching from a first position to a secondposition. The vehicle mount computer can receive an electrical signalindicating that the ignition switch has switched from the first positionto the second position. The vehicle mount computer can perform thespecified action in response to receiving the electrical signal.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a computer programproduct. The computer program product can include a computer-readablemedium having computer-readable program code embodied therein forcausing a vehicle mount computer to perform an action. Thecomputer-readable medium can include computer-readable program code forreceiving, via a user interface of the vehicle mount computer, userinput specifying an action for the computer to perform automatically inresponse to an ignition switch of a vehicle switching from a firstposition to a second position; computer-readable program code forreceiving a signal indicating that the ignition switch has switched fromthe first position to the second position; and computer-readable programcode for causing the specified action to be performed in response toreceiving the signal.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle mountablecomputer system. The vehicle mountable computer system can include auser interface for receiving a user input specifying an action for thevehicle mount computer system to perform automatically in response to anignition switch of a vehicle switching from a first position to a secondposition. An input of the vehicle mountable computer can receive anelectrical signal indicating that the ignition switch has switched fromthe first position to the second position. An application modulelogically coupled to the input can cause the vehicle mount computer toperform the specified action in response to receiving the electricalsignal.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a system thatincludes a vehicle and a computer mounted thereon. The vehicle caninclude an ignition switch for selectively activating and deactivatingthe vehicle. The computer can include a user interface for receivinguser input specifying an action for the computer to performautomatically in response to the ignition switch being switched to acertain position. The computer also can include an input electricallycoupled to the ignition switch to receive an electrical signalindicating that the ignition switch has switched to the certainposition. An application module of the computer can cause the computerto perform the specified action in response to receiving the electricalsignal.

These and other aspects, features, and embodiments of the invention willbecome apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art uponconsideration of the following detailed description of illustratedembodiments exemplifying the best mode for carrying out the invention aspresently perceived.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made tothe following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawingsin which:

FIG. 1 depicts an operating environment for a vehicle mount computer, inaccordance with certain exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicle mount computer of FIG. 1, inaccordance with certain exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting components of the vehicle mountcomputer of FIG. 1, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments;

FIG. 4 is a block schematic diagram depicting electrical connectionsbetween the vehicle mount computer of FIG. 1 and an ignition switch, inaccordance with certain exemplary embodiments; and

FIG. 5 is a block flow diagram depicting a method for performing acomputer action based on the position of a vehicle's ignition switch, inaccordance with certain exemplary embodiments.

The drawings illustrate only exemplary embodiments of the invention andare therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, as theinvention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elementsand features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principlesof exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Additionally, certaindimensions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the figures, in which like numerals represent like (butnot necessarily identical) elements throughout the figures, exemplaryembodiments of the present invention are described in detail. FIG. 1depicts an operating environment 100 for a vehicle mount computer 110,in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring to FIG. 1,the operating environment 100 includes a vehicle 105 with the vehiclemount computer 110 mounted thereon. Although the exemplary vehicle 105is illustrated as a forklift truck, the vehicle mount computer 110 canbe mounted to or installed on other types of vehicle, such as a utilitytruck or cart. The vehicle 105 includes an ignition switch 415 (FIG. 4)for activating and deactivating the vehicle 105. As described in furtherdetail below, the ignition switch 415 can be logically coupled to thevehicle mount computer 110. The vehicle mount computer 110 can beconfigured to switch from one mode to another or perform certainactions, tasks, or operations in response to the ignition switch 415being switched from one position to another (rotary switch) or beingpressed (pushbutton switch).

Vehicle mount computers 110 are often used in warehouses, manufacturingfacilities, and shop floors to collect and display data. For example,vehicle mount computers 110 are commonly used in warehouses to trackinventory of products being received and shipped. The vehicle mountcomputer 110 can be coupled to peripheral devices, such as a bar codescanner, to collect data. As described in further detail below, thevehicle mount computer 110 also can include one or more wireless radiosfor communicating with another computer or device. An operator caninteract with the vehicle mount computer 110 while seated in the vehicle105. The computer 110 can be mounted in a stationary position inside thevehicle 105 or on a positionable object, such as a swing arm.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the vehicle mount computer 110 of FIG. 1, inaccordance with certain exemplary embodiments. Referring to FIG. 2, thevehicle mount computer 110 includes several user interfaces. Inparticular, the exemplary vehicle mount computer 110 includes a displaydevice 205, a keyboard or keypad 210, and user configurable keys 215. Incertain exemplary embodiments, the display device 205 includes a touchsensitive screen 360 (FIG. 3). An operator can use the keypad 210, userconfigurable keys 215, and touch sensitive screen 360 to enter commandsand data to the vehicle mount computer 110. The vehicle mount computer110 also includes a power button 225. An operator can selectively turnthe vehicle mount computer 110 on and off by pressing the power button225. Although not shown, the vehicle mount computer 110 also can includea mouse or other pointing device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting components of the vehicle mountcomputer 110 of FIG. 1, in accordance with certain exemplaryembodiments. Referring to FIG. 3, the vehicle mount computer 110includes a processing unit 321, a system memory 322, and a system bus323 that couples various system components, including the system memory322, to the processing unit 321. The system bus 323 can include any ofseveral types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memorycontroller, a peripheral bus, or a local bus, using any of a variety ofbus architectures. The system memory 322 includes a read-only memory(“ROM”) 324 and a random access memory (“RAM”) 325. A basic input/outputsystem (“BIOS”) 326 containing the basic routines that help to transferinformation between elements within the vehicle mount computer 110, suchas during start-up, is stored in the ROM 324.

The vehicle mount computer 110 also includes a hard disk drive 327 forreading from and writing to a hard disk (not shown) and an optical diskdrive 328 for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk 329such as a CD-ROM, compact disk-read/write (“CD/RW”), DVD, or otheroptical media. The hard disk drive 327 and optical disk drive 328 areconnected to the system bus 323 by a hard disk drive interface 332 andan optical disk drive interface 333, respectively. Although theexemplary vehicle mount computer 110 employs a ROM 324, a RAM 325, ahard disk drive 327, and a removable optical disk 329, it should beappreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefitof the present disclosure that other types of computer readable mediaalso can be used in the exemplary vehicle mount computer 110. Forexample, the computer readable media can include any apparatus that cancontain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport data for use by orin connection with one or more components of the vehicle mount computer110, including any electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) orpropagation medium, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards,digital video disks, Bernoulli cartridges, and the like. The drives andtheir associated computer readable media can provide nonvolatile storageof computer-executable instructions, data structures, program modules,and other data for the vehicle mount computer 110.

A number of modules can be stored on the ROM 324, RAM 325, hard diskdrive 327 or optical disk 329, including an operating system 335 andvarious application modules 336-337. Application modules 336-337 caninclude routines, sub-routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. For example, the application module 336 may be aninventory application for use in collecting and displaying inventoryinformation in a warehouse.

As described in further detail below, the operating system 335 oranother application module can be configured by a user to performcertain actions or tasks when the power button 225 is pressed. Forexample, the operating system 335 can be configured to cause the vehiclemount computer 110 to stand by, hibernate, shut down, do nothing, promptthe operator for what action to perform, start an application module336-337, or to transmit data (e.g., in a batch) to another computer ordevice when the power button 225 is pressed and the vehicle mountcomputer 110 is turned on. The standby mode is a power saving mode wheremost or all components of the vehicle mount computer 110 switches to alow-power state. The hibernate mode includes storing an image of thevehicle mount computer's current state and shutting almost completelyoff. The vehicle mount computer 110 can use the stored image to returnto that state when returning from the hibernate mode. If configured toprompt the operator for what action to perform, the operating system 335can present a dialog box including the possible actions for the operatorto select from. In certain exemplary embodiments, the operating system335 is Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (“ACPI”) compliant,such as MICROSOFT WINDOWS XP.

The operating system 335 is logically coupled to the power button 225,for example via the system bus 323, to receive a signal indicatingwhether the power button 225 is pressed. In response to receiving thisindication signal, the operating system 335 performs the user-configuredaction. In certain exemplary embodiments, the operating system 335includes default settings for responding to the power button 335 beingpressed. The user can retain the default settings or adjust the defaultsettings as described below.

An operator can enter commands and information to the vehicle mountcomputer 110 through the input devices, such as the keypad 210 and theuser configurable keys 215. These and other input devices are oftenconnected to the processing unit 321 through a serial port interface 346that is coupled to the system bus 323, but can be connected by otherinterfaces, such as a parallel port, game port, or the like.

The display 205 also can be connected to the system bus 323 via aninterface, such as a video adapter 348, to receive content for displayby the display 205. The exemplary display 205 incorporates a touchsensitive screen 360 coupled to the processing unit 321 by way of atouch screen controller 361. For example, the touch sensitive screen 360can include resistive, capacitive, surface acoustic wave (“SAW”),infrared (“IR”), strain gauge, dispersive signal technology, acousticpulse recognition, and optical touch sensing technology, as would bereadily understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of the present disclosure. The touch screen controller 361 candetermine the location of a user's touch (e.g., with a finger, stylus,pen, or other object) on or near the touch sensitive screen 360. Inaddition to the display 205, the vehicle mount computer 110 can includeother peripheral output devices, such as speakers (not shown).

The vehicle mount computer 110 is configured to operate in a networkedenvironment using logical connections to one or more remote computers349. The remote computer 349 can be any network device, such as apersonal computer, a server, a client, a router, a network PC, a peerdevice, or other device. While the remote computer 349 typicallyincludes many or all of the elements described above relative to thevehicle mount computer 110, only a memory storage device 350 has beenillustrated in FIG. 3 for simplicity. The logical connection depicted inFIG. 3 includes a wireless LAN (“WLAN”) 304 that the vehicle mountcomputer 110 communicates with via an antenna (not shown). In anetworked environment, program modules depicted relative to the vehiclemount computer 110, or portions thereof, can be stored in the remotememory storage device 350.

It will be appreciated that the network connection shown in FIG. 3 isexemplary and other means of establishing a communications link betweenthe computers can be used. For example, the vehicle mount computer 110can communicate via Bluetooth, Zigbee, induction wireless, or any othersuitable wireless or wired technology. Moreover, those skilled in theart will appreciate that the vehicle mount computer 110 illustrated inFIG. 3 can have any of several other suitable computer systemconfigurations. For example, the vehicle mount computer 110 may notinclude certain components, in alternative exemplary embodiments.

As briefly discussed above, an operator or other user can configure theoperating system 335 (or another program module 336-337) to switch modesor perform one or more actions in response to the power button 225 beingpressed. The vehicle mount computer 110 also can be configured such thatthe operating system 335 performs the one or more actions in response tothe vehicle's ignition switch 415 being switched from one position toanother or being pressed. In such a configuration, a user can configurethe operating system 335 to cause the vehicle mount computer 110 tostandby, hibernate, shut down, do nothing, log off the current user,prompt the user for what action to perform, start and/or execute anapplication module 336-337, or to transmit data to a remote computer 349in response to the ignition switch 415 being switched from one positionto another or being pressed.

The operating system 335 can be configured to perform one or more of theactions based on the ignition switch position and the current state ormode of the vehicle mount computer 110. For example, a user canconfigure the operating system 335 to switch the vehicle mount computer110 to a power saving mode (e.g., standby, hibernate, or shutdown) inresponse to the ignition switch 415 being switched to an off position orbeing pressed while the vehicle mount computer 110 is in an active mode.In another example, a user can configure the operating system 335 toswitch the vehicle mount computer 110 to the active mode in response tothe ignition switch 415 being placed in an on position or being pressedwhile the vehicle mount computer 110 is in an inactive mode. In yetanother example, the operating system 335 can be configured to promptthe user for what action to perform or execute and application inresponse to the ignition switch 415 being switched to an on position orbeing pressed while the vehicle mount computer 110 is in the activemode. In yet another example, the operating system 335 can be configuredto transmit data, such as batch inventory data, to a remote computer 349in response to the ignition switch 415 being switched to an off positionor being pressed while the vehicle 110 is in an active mode. In yetanother example, the operating system 335 can be configured to transmitdata to a remote computer 349 and then switch to an inactive or powersaving mode in response to the ignition switch 415 being switched to anoff position or being pressed while the vehicle 110 is in an activemode.

This unique ignition switch configurable behavior enables users orcomputer administrators to place the vehicle mount computer 110 into apreferred state when the vehicle 105 is turned off. For example, theoperating system 335 may cause the vehicle mount computer 110 to switchto a power saving mode (e.g., hibernate, standby, or shutdown) when thevehicle 105 is turned off. Or, the operating system 335 may log off thecurrent user so that another user can log in to the vehicle mountcomputer 110. This ignition switch control can obviate the need for auser to consciously place the vehicle mount computer 110 into thepreferred state, for example at the end of a work shift.

FIG. 4 is a block schematic diagram depicting electrical connectionsbetween the vehicle mount computer 110 of FIG. 1 and the ignition switch415 of the vehicle 105, in accordance with certain exemplaryembodiments. Referring to FIG. 4, the vehicle mount computer 110includes a power supply 455 that provides regulated supply power to thecomputer's components, such as those illustrated in FIG. 3 and discussedabove. For example, the power supply 455 may provide a steady 12 VDCsupply to the computer's components.

The vehicle 105 includes a battery 413 that provides power to thevehicle 105 and to the vehicle mount computer 110. The battery 413 iselectrically coupled to the computer's power supply 455 via a powersupply 420, an on/off switch 435, a diode 471, and one or moreelectrical conductors. In certain exemplary embodiments, the powersupply 420 is a DC-DC isolated power supply that converts the voltagelevel of the battery to a voltage level suitable for the power supply455. For example, the power supply 420 may convert a 10 VDC-100 VDCsupply provided by the battery 413 to 13.2 VDC for the power supply 455.

An operator can selectively apply or remove power from the vehicle mountcomputer 110 using the on/off switch 435. The on/off switch 435 can bemounted on the vehicle 105 and is typically mounted proximal to thevehicle mount computer 110. For example, the on/off switch 435 may bemounted on a docking or mounting assembly 430 that also supports thevehicle mount computer 110. In alternative exemplary embodiments, theon/off switch 435 is mounted near the vehicle's ignition switch 415.

The vehicle mount computer 110 also includes a backup battery 465connected to the computer's power supply 455 via a diode 473 and one ormore electrical conductors. The backup battery 465 can provide power tothe power supply 465 when external power is not available. For example,if the vehicle's battery 413 is drained, the backup battery 465 maypower the vehicle mount computer 110.

The ignition switch 415 is used to activate and deactivate the vehicle105. In certain exemplary embodiments, the ignition switch 415 includesa first “on” position for activating the vehicle 105 and a second “off”position for deactivating the vehicle 105. An operator can activate thevehicle 105 by inserting a key into the ignition switch 413 and placingthe ignition switch 415 in the on position. To deactivate the vehicle105, the operator can place the ignition switch 415 in the off position.In certain exemplary embodiments, the ignition switch 415 may includeadditional positions, such as a “start” position for gas poweredvehicles and an “accessory” position. The operating system 335 (or otherapplication module 336-337) can be configured by a user to perform anaction based on each position and optionally the current mode or stateof the vehicle mount computer 110.

In certain alternative exemplary embodiments, the switch 415 can beembodied as another type of switch, such as a pushbutton switch, aslider switch, or a rotary switch to name a few. If the switch 415 is apushbutton switch or other type of momentary switch, the vehicle 105 maybe started and stopped in response to the switch 415 being pressed.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ignition switch 415 is electricallycoupled in series with the power button 475 between the battery 413 andthe power button input 225 of the vehicle mount computer 110. In such aconfiguration, the ignition switch 415 can control the power buttoninput 225 to the operating system 335. That is, the operating system 335can detect the position of the ignition switch 415 similar to detectinginputs from the power button 475. Accordingly, the operating system 335responds to the position of the ignition switch 415 based on the userconfiguration. In certain alternative embodiments, the ignition switch415 is electrically coupled to another input of the vehicle mountcomputer 110 rather than the power button input 225.

In certain alternative embodiments, the ignition switch 415 iselectrically coupled to the power button input 225 in parallel with thepower button 475. In such embodiments, an operator can use the ignitionswitch 415 or the power button 475 to control the vehicle mount computer110.

In either implementation, the operating system 335 can detect theposition or status of the ignition switch 415 and, in response, causethe vehicle mount computer 110 to perform an action, switch betweenmodes of operation, execute an application, do nothing, log off thecurrent user, or prompt the user to select an action. The actionperformed by the operating system 335 can be configured by a user andalso can depend on the current mode or state of the vehicle mountcomputer 110. For example, if the ignition switch 415 is turned to theon position while the vehicle mount computer 110 is turned off, theoperating system 335 can detect the ignition switch's position and causethe vehicle mount computer 110 to turn on. In another example, if thevehicle mount computer 110 is in an active mode and the ignition switch415 is moved to the off position, the operating system 335 can cause thevehicle mount computer 110 to perform an action or switch to a certainmode of operation, such as the standby mode or hibernation mode.

As shown in FIG. 4, the power button 475 and the power button input 225are electrically coupled in series to the negative terminal (ground) ofthe battery 413. In alternative embodiments, the power button 475 andthe power button input 225 can be electrically coupled in series to thepositive terminal of the battery 413, for example in parallel with anignition input to the computer terminal 110 that is coupled to theoperating system 335. In this manner, the negative terminal of thebattery 413 can always be connected to the vehicle mount computer 110without a switch. The power button 475 and the ignition input can have“always on” logic (if the power supply 420 and the on/off switch 435 areon) that can initiate the configured response of the vehicle mountcomputer 110 either by the power button 475 or the ignition switch 415.

FIG. 5 is a block flow diagram depicting a method 500 for performing acomputer action based on the position of the vehicle's ignition switch415, in accordance with certain exemplary embodiments. The exemplarymethod 500 is described in terms of the operating system 335 performinguser-configured actions in response to the position of the ignitionswitch 415. However, another application, such as an ApplicationProgramming Interface (“API”) logically coupled to the operating system335 or a power management utility application, may perform theuser-configured actions.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, in block 505, a user configures theoperating system 335 of the vehicle mount computer 110 to perform one ormore actions or procedures, switch to a mode of operation, execute anapplication module 336-337, or transmit data to a remote computer 349based on the position of the ignition switch 415. For example, theoperating system 335 may be configured to switch to a standby mode, ahibernation mode, or shut down in response to the ignition switch 415being switched to the off position (or pressed if a momentary switch)while the vehicle mount computer 110 is in an active state. In anotherexample, the operating system 335 may be configured to prompt the userfor what to do in response to the ignition switch 415 being switched tothe off position (or pressed if a momentary switch) while the vehiclemount computer 110 is in an active state. In yet another example, theoperating system 335 may be configured to do nothing start and executean application module 336-337, or log a current user off of the vehiclemount computer 110, in response to the ignition switch 415 beingswitched to the off position or pressed while the vehicle mount computer110 is in an active mode. In yet another example, the operating system335 can be configured to transmit data, such as batch inventory data, toa remote computer 349 in response to the ignition switch 415 beingswitched to an off position or being pressed while the vehicle 110 is inan active mode. In yet another example, the operating system 335 can beconfigured to transmit data to a remote computer 349 and then switch toan inactive or power saving mode in response to the ignition switch 415being switched to an off position or being pressed while the vehicle 110is in an active mode.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the user can configure the operatingsystem 335 via a control menu. For example, the operating system 335 mayprovide a menu having a list of possible actions to perform or modes ofoperation to switch to in response to the ignition switch 415 beingplaced in a certain position or pressed. The user can select one or morepreferred actions to be performed from the list. In certain exemplaryembodiments, the vehicle mount computer 110 includes default actionsthat are performed based on the position of the ignition switch 415 andoptionally based on the current state of the vehicle mount computer 110.The user 110 can customize the vehicle mount computer 110 to performdesirable actions rather than the default actions.

In block 510, the operating system 335 stores the configuration inmemory 322. In block 515, the operating system 335 monitors the ignitionswitch 415. For example, the operating system 335 may monitor the powerbutton input or another input logically coupled to the ignition switch415. In block 520, the operating system 335 conducts an inquiry todetermine whether the position of the ignition switch 415. For example,the operating system 335 can store the current position of the ignitionswitch 415 periodically. The operating system 415 can compare thecurrent position of the ignition switch 415 to a previously storedposition to determine whether the position has changed. If the ignitionswitch 415 is a pushbutton switch, the operating system 335 can monitorfor the ignition switch 415 being pressed. If the operating system 335determines that the position of the ignition switch 415 has changed (orhas been pressed), then the method 500 follows the “YES” branch to block525. Otherwise, the method 500 follows the “NO” branch to return toblock 515 where the operating system 335 continues to monitor theposition of the ignition switch 415.

In block 520, the operating system 335 causes the vehicle mount computer110 to perform the configured action based on the position of theignition switch and optionally the current mode of the vehicle mountcomputer 110. For example, if the vehicle mount computer system 110 isnot in the active mode, then the configured response may be to switchthe vehicle mount computer 110 to the active mode in response to theignition switch 415 being turned on or pressed. In another example, ifthe vehicle mount computer 110 is in the active mode, then theconfigured action may be to switch to a power saving mode. The method500 returns to block 515 from block 525 to monitor the position of theignition switch 415.

One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that the presentinvention provides a vehicle mount computer having a configurablebehavior controlled by a vehicle's ignition switch. A user can configurethe computer to perform an action, switch to a different mode, orexecute a software application in response to the ignition switch beingpressed or the position of the ignition switch being adjusted. Forexample, the computer can be configured to switch to a standby mode,hibernation mode, shutdown, prompt the user to select an action, or donothing in response to the ignition switch being placed in an offposition. The ignition switch can be electrically coupled to an input ofthe computer so that the computer's operating system or anotherapplication can monitor the status of the ignition switch. The operatingsystem or application can cause the computer to perform the configuredresponse upon detecting a change in the ignition switch's position or anactuation of the ignition switch.

Although specific embodiments have been described above in detail, thedescription is merely for purposes of illustration. It should beappreciated, therefore, that many aspects of the invention weredescribed above by way of example only and are not intended as requiredor essential elements of the invention unless explicitly statedotherwise. Various modifications of, and equivalent steps correspondingto, the disclosed aspects of the exemplary embodiments, in addition tothose described above, can be made by a person of ordinary skill in theart, having the benefit of this disclosure, without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention defined in the following claims, thescope of which is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass such modifications and equivalent structures.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method for performing an action with a vehiclemount computer, comprising: receiving input specifying an action for thevehicle mount computer to perform automatically in response to anignition switch of a vehicle switching from a first position to a secondposition; and receiving, with the vehicle mount computer, an electricalsignal indicating that the ignition switch has switched from the firstposition to the second position; wherein the vehicle mount computerperforms the specified action in response to receiving the electricalsignal; and wherein the vehicle mount computer operates in a wirelessnetworked environment using logical connections to one or more remoteexternal computers.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the vehiclemount computer receives the electrical signal through a port that iselectrically connected to the ignition switch via an electrical circuit.23. The method of claim 21, further comprising storing information innonvolatile memory of the vehicle mount computer in response toreceiving the input, wherein the stored information configures thevehicle mount computer to perform the specified action in response toreceiving the electrical signal.
 24. The method of claim 21, wherein thespecified action comprises substantially changing power consumption ofthe vehicle mount computer.
 25. The method of claim 21, wherein thefirst position comprises a position for activating the vehicle and thesecond position comprises a position for deactivating the vehicle, andwherein the specified action comprises: switching the vehicle mountcomputer to a standby mode; switching the vehicle mount computer to ahibernation mode; and/or removing power from one or more components ofthe vehicle mount computer.
 26. The method of claim 21, wherein thefirst position comprises a position for activating the vehicle and thesecond position comprises a position for deactivating the vehicle, andwherein the specified action comprises: prompting a user to select froma plurality of actions; and/or executing an application.
 27. The methodof claim 21, wherein the first position comprises a position fordeactivating the vehicle and the second position comprises a positionfor activating the vehicle, and wherein the selected action comprisesswitching the vehicle mount computer to an active mode.
 28. The methodof claim 21, wherein the specified action is based on a current mode forthe vehicle mount computer.
 29. A computer program product, comprising:a computer-readable medium having computer-readable program codeembodied therein for causing a vehicle mount computer to perform anaction, the computer-readable medium comprising: computer-readableprogram code causing a vehicle mount computer to receive user inputspecifying an action for the computer to perform automatically inresponse to an ignition switch of a vehicle switching from a firstposition to a second position; computer-readable program code causing avehicle mount computer to receive a signal indicating that the ignitionswitch has switched from the first position to the second position;computer-readable program code causing a vehicle mount computer toperform the specified action in response to receiving the signal; andcomputer-readable program code causing the vehicle mount computer tooperate in a wireless networked environment using logical connections toone or more remote external computers.
 30. The computer program productof claim 29, wherein the signal is received through a port of thevehicle mount computer that is electrically connected to the ignitionswitch via an electrical circuit.
 31. The computer program product ofclaim 29, comprising computer-readable program code for storinginformation in nonvolatile memory of the vehicle mount computer inresponse to receiving the input, wherein the stored informationconfigures the vehicle mount computer to perform the specified action inresponse to receiving the signal.
 32. The computer program product ofclaim 29, wherein the specified action comprises substantially changingpower consumption of the vehicle mount computer.
 33. The computerprogram product of claim 29, wherein the first position comprises aposition for activating the vehicle and the second position comprises aposition for deactivating the vehicle, and wherein the specified actioncomprises: switching the vehicle mount computer to a standby mode;switching the vehicle computer to a hibernation mode; and/or removingpower from one or more components of the vehicle mount computer.
 34. Thecomputer program product of claim 29, wherein the first positioncomprises a position for activating the vehicle and the second positioncomprises a position for deactivating the vehicle, and wherein thespecified action comprises: prompting a user to select from a pluralityof actions; and/or executing an application.
 35. The computer programproduct of claim 29, wherein the first position comprises a position fordeactivating the vehicle and the second position comprises a positionfor activating the vehicle, and wherein the selected action comprisesswitching the vehicle mount computer to an active mode.
 36. The computerprogram product of claim 29, wherein the specified action is based on acurrent mode for the vehicle mount computer.
 37. A vehicle mountablecomputer system, comprising: memory storing a specified action for thevehicle mount computer system to perform automatically in response to anignition switch of a vehicle switching from a first position to a secondposition; an input for receiving an electrical signal indicating thatthe ignition switch has switched from the first position to the secondposition; and an application module logically coupled to the input forcausing the vehicle mount computer to perform the specified action inresponse to receiving the electrical signal; wherein the vehicle mountcomputer operates in a wireless networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote external computers.
 38. The vehiclemountable computer system of claim 37, wherein the application modulecomprises an operating system.
 39. The vehicle mountable computer systemof claim 37, comprising a second application module for storinginformation in nonvolatile memory of the vehicle mount computer, whereinthe stored information configures the application module to perform thespecified action in response to receiving the electrical signal.
 40. Thevehicle mountable computer system of claim 37, wherein the specifiedaction comprises substantially changing power consumption of the vehiclemount computer system.